U.S. President Barack Obama, the first sitting U.S. president to visit Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous nation, addressed a wide range of issues - highlighting the East African country's increasing value to combat Islamic extremism as well as its poor human rights record - during his stay in the nation.
While some rights groups have criticized Obama's visit, warning that it could lend credibility to a government accused of jailing journalists and critics, it was welcomed by most Ethiopians. "Obama's visit means our country is a safe place to invest and do trade. Ethiopia has been forgotten for so long. The coming of the U.S. president will bring a new beginning for this country," said Dawit Betty, 25, a student in Ethiopia's capital of Addis Ababa, according to USA Today.
Obama, on his part, urged Ethiopia's leaders to curb crackdowns on press freedoms and political opposition, warning that failure to do so could slow down economic progress in the country which has been battling years of poverty and famine. "When all voices are being heard, when people know they are being included in the political process, that makes a country more successful," Obama said during a news conference with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, according to ABC News.
Obama also asked on Desalegn to improve Ethiopia's record on human rights and good governance. "I don't bite my tongue too much when it comes to these issues," Obama said at a joint press conference in the capital, Addis Ababa, according to BBC.
Desalegn, whose government swept all seats in May's disputed parliamentary election, attempted to counter the criticism of his government. "Our commitment to democracy is real and not skin deep. This is fledgling democracy, we are coming out of centuries of undemocratic practices," he said, according to Al Jazeera.
Obama spoke on the issue of press freedom, and it was evident that the leaders differed in their opinions. Obama said it was a "significant topic of discussion," and insisted that a vibrant and free press would strengthen - rather than inhibit - Ethiopia's development.
In response Desalegn said Ethiopia wanted "civilized journalism," and not reporters linked with "violent terrorist groups," according to the BBC.
Despite differences on human rights, democracy and freedom of the press, the U.S. sees Ethiopia as an important partner in fighting terrorism in the region.
